Best VPN Services in Canada

Isn't it true that VPNs are obscure tools utilized by corporations, conspiracy theorists, criminals, and tech-savvy hackers? That isn't the case anymore. VPNs have risen to popularity as must-have services as privacy scandals, data leaks, geo-restrictions, and censorship stories make headlines and influence people's lives regularly.

Other people can potentially see everything you send over the internet. This includes pictures of your cat and your tax return. Fortunately, there is a simple method to significantly reduce your risk of cybercrime and gain access to what you desire: Use a VPN.

VPN Reviews And Speed Tests 2022

Our list is built on solid foundations — the finest form of truth. We conducted over 15 different VPN tests in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Quebec, and others to acquire the different data. After that, we organized our information and ranked the top six Canadian VPNs against one another.

We want to help you find the best VPN for Canada. So we looked at six important factors:

Best VPNs for Online Privacy and Security

In 2022, there will be five leading VPN providers in Canada. (French: Meilleur VPN) These are the best VPNs for fast, secure connections that allow you to stream Netflix and torrents legally, as well as provide decent customer service. Let's have a look at how they compare.

#1. NordVPN – Best of Everything ($3.71/month)

Logging: None

Protocol: PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and OpenVPN are all supported.

Speed: Average

Servers: 5000+ Servers

Jurisdiction: Panama

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux work.

Speed and Security

One of the best features of NordVPN is its double data protection. This implies that the service will go through two servers to encrypt your data twice before delivering it to whatever you're attempting to access. It's always a good thing to take an extra step to ensure your data is as safe as possible.

We've never had a NordVPN leak in our system, so you can be certain your true IP address will not be revealed. Panama is another jurisdiction that ensures that NordVPN's no-logging policy is maintained. They will never have to give data like in other countries like Canada and the US because they have a no-logging law.

Support

I'm pleased to inform you that NordVPN does, in fact, have a live chat and that the customer service agents are responsive. If email is more your style, You can also reach them by email.

We discovered that the customer support staff could assist you with any problem you may have, but because of how simple their set-up is and the ease of use of their interface, you shouldn't have any issues. If you have any concerns, the NordVPN website also has a lot of how-to guides and FAQ sections that can assist you in overcoming difficulties.

Cost

A 30-day money-back guarantee is a reassuring feature when experimenting with VPNs. With a two-year subscription, you will be billed $3.71 every month unless you choose to commit to that, but the NordVPN plans can be pricey if you don't want to commit. You can get a great deal on NordVPN by using a coupon.

The monthly fee for an individual gives you a whole lot of tools. The cost ranges from $11 to $19, depending on the number of devices linked to your account and the length of time you choose.

It's a waste of time to try anything else. The three-year strategy is the only sensible option. The monthly plan is pointless because you may just pick any other plan and take advantage of a 30-day money refund.

The prices for the one-year and two-year programs are very close to those of the three-year plan. If you're willing to commit to three years, you can probably manage a couple more.

Compatibility

NordVPN has many wonderful features, but one of the greatest is how simple it is to connect each device. Thanks to the apps available on all operating systems, it's a breeze to keep your privacy under control.

Everything Else

NordVPN is a reliable and secure VPN service. NordVPN appears to be dedicated to ensuring that it has the most servers, making it virtually certain that there will never be a time when you won't be able to find an excellent server to use.

NordVPN is another tool that people should consider using if they care about streaming quality. The ability to access Netflix and other streaming services is a huge advantage, and when combined with their price, NordVPN isn't a bad option.

#2. Surfshark: Premium Features Without the Premium ($2.49)

Logging: None

Protocol: OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2

Speed: Fast

Servers: 800+ in 50+ Countries

Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, Apple, Linux, FireTV, AppleTV, Xbox, PlayStation 3/4/5/Vita systems

The second best VPN in Canada, according to my research, is Surfshark. When it comes to a virtual private network, we want total and complete anonymity for our personal information, as well as rapid service. As we mentioned previously – speed and security are the most significant aspects of a VPN.

Speed and Security

Although Surfsharks speeds vary from server to server, this isn't uncommon in the VPN industry. It's vital to remember that most of the servers are quite quick and don't experience much of a speed reduction when you connect through them.

Surfshark's greatest strength is security. The VPN never records your activities, and it uses the most secure encryption technology possible. If you're not familiar with the many encryption choices available today, just know that Surfshark employs the top encryption method accessible.

If you want to know about Surfshark encryption, it is better than other companies' encryption. Surfshark uses an IPv6 protocol, and that is much better than IPv4.

Surfshark offers a wealth of protocol options, which include OpenVPN and IKEv2. In addition, Surfshark uses 256-bit AES encryption with a 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange and a SHA512 authentication hash. They also offer WebRTC and DNS protection.

Support

For those that require assistance, there is live chat, which is accessible in several languages. Although Surfshark offers immediate email assistance, most people seem to prefer to live chat these days.

To work with Surfshark, you don't need to be a computer genius. You'll most likely find answers on the company's knowledge base if you have questions, which is surprisingly thorough.

If you have any pressing concerns, the NordVPN website also has a lot of how-to guides and FAQ areas to assist you in getting through any problems.

Cost

This is where Surfshark really shines. One-month subscriptions are rather pricey at $12.95 per month, while yearly subscriptions are reasonably priced at $4.98 per month. Their 24-month long-term plans are where Surfshark truly shines. This VPN costs just $2.49 per month, including everything they have to offer. It's a steal, a bargain, a discount, or whatever you want to term it.

Compatibility

Because Surfshark utilizes the IPv6 protocol, it's simple to access Netflix and other streaming devices. If Surfshark used the IPv4 protocol, the number of IP addresses that Netflix would recognize would be much lower.

You may use Kodi and torrent with the VPN. Some VPNs prohibit P2P sharing, but there is no problem with Surfshark.

Everything Else

When it comes to investing in a company, I'm usually drawn to those with something about them that makes me think they're ready to take over the market. Surfshark is new, but given its stature thus far, the reputation it has already established is tremendous.

If you go through additional VPN reviews, you'll notice that SurfShark is a new entrant to the VPN industry, yet it has maintained high standards from the start.

It seems like they add a new server every day, and it looks like they are interested in excelling in every category a VPN company can excel in. Learn more about this newcomer VPN service in our Surfshark review.

#3. Express VPN: Fastest VPN Choice ($6.67/month)

Logging: None

Protocol: OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2

Speed: Fast

Servers: 3000+ in 94 Countries

Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands

Compatibility: It is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, Apple, and Linux.

Another excellent option is Express VPN. I would rate Express as the top “premium” VPN on this list. It offers similar security and privacy protections to Nord and Surfshark, making it comparable to both. The most apparent difference between the three is speed: ExpressVPN outperformed both Nord and Surfshark in nearly all locations I tried, including Canada, as well as my trips to China, Europe, and parts of Southeast Asia.

The truth is that most leading VPN services today function very well. So, the main distinctions between them are speed and price. Look no further than ExpressVPN if you're seeking a little more oomph.

Speed and Security

It's vital to ensure that the VPN you use does not legally reside in a country where the firm could be compelled to share data. Fortunately, the British Virgin Islands is an excellent location for a VPN to operate lawfully since they are exempt from sharing information.

Many other VPNs provide comparable services, but unless you reside in a few countries, you're out of luck.

Because ExpressVPN covers 94 countries, you'll have to trek quite a distance before you encounter any issues accessing the internet. If you can't access Express VPN where you are, there's a good chance that no internet will be available.

Support

When it comes to VPNs, customer service is also essential. ExpressVPN had the best live chat of any company we tested. Determining a possible fake problem to evaluate the response was the most difficult part.

Cost

How much does it cost? You can pay either monthly, every six months, or even annually.

It's less expensive to pay yearly, lowering your monthly average to less than $9 while continuing with a monthly charge reaches nearly $13. Any plan you choose comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Compatibility

Many people use a VPN to access Netflix and Kodi and download torrents, but there's more to it than that. Many individuals pay for ExpressVPN because of its excellent performance in this area: you may watch American Netflix while connected to the service, and P2P downloads are quick and secure.

Everything Else

Some reasons that Express VPN is our top pick include:

• They have a strong privacy policy
• Their speeds are excellent
• And they offer a great range of features

The speed test is one of them. Not every firm believes their equipment is fast enough to put in a prominent position like that. Second, unlike many other similar services, this VPN does not keep track of your activity and records.

In conclusion, with over 10 million people worldwide utilizing ExpressVPN, we must concur that it is right now the finest VPN for Canadians.

#4. Perfect Privacy – Great for Multi Connections/Speed ($9.99/month)

Logging: None

Protocol: OpenVPN, IPSec, and SSH

Speed: Above-Average

Servers: 54 servers in 24 countries

Jurisdiction: Switzerland

Compatibility: The service is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and IPTV.

Perfect Privacy is the next on our list. The service's features and several connections might be overkill for some people. Perfect Privacy makes sense if you're searching for that level of premium service.

Speed and Security

This company has no data storage, industry-standard encryption, or protocols to keep your information safe.

We found that they were above average when it comes to downloading speeds. This trade-off is for reduced maximum connection speeds and sophisticated features requiring faster connections.

Support

Customer service with Perfect Privacy is decent. They have a lengthy FAQ section as well as active discussion boards.

There isn't a live chat option, so you can only contact the firm through email. We found that we got a response within the first twelve hours of sending an inquiry, which is reasonable for the industry.

Cost

The price of Perfect Privacy is greater than that of most VPNs, as previously said. Because everything is limitless, there is only one tier of pricing. You may pay for a month at a time at the rate of $12.99 per month.

If you pay for a year in advance, the price is $9.99 per month. If you pay for two years in advance, the price is $8.95 per month.

Compatibility

It's possible to connect to just about any device. However, connecting to them might be difficult. They only provide pre-configured applications for Windows and Linux computers. With the price tag and other simple choices available, we believe there is a little too much heavy lifting in this area.

Everything Else

We love Perfect Privacy because of its advanced anonymity features, limitless device connections, and unrestricted usage. We have no worries about security when using this VPN, and the numerous characteristics they provide are excellent.

The issues begin with speed, cost, and device compatibility. These should be enhanced at this time.

#5. IPVanish – Great Service but the US Based ($4.87/month)

Logging: None (allegedly)

Protocol: OpenVPN, SOCKS5

Speed: Fast

Servers: 1,100+ servers in more than 60 countries

Jurisdiction: United States

Compatibility: supports all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon.

Our fourth pick has been providing VPN services since long before it was cool back in 1999.

Overall, IPVanish is a well-rounded VPN provider. It doesn't appear to be the greatest at anything, but there aren't many issues with this VPN service.

Speed and Security

IPVanish became notorious for handing over client data to the United States Department of Homeland Security after a new owner bought it. They have changed ownership, and the new owners insist they don't keep any records.

It's difficult to have faith in a VPN business based in the United States because a government agency can at any time compel a firm to turn over customer information.

There are no issues with the speed provided by IPVanish's numerous servers and country of operation, and in general, they are above average.

Support

The customer support staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via live chat. IPVanish also offers a comprehensive support center with a knowledge base, system status, FAQ bank, and email option. With their categorically organized system, finding your problem is simple.

Cost

When compared to other hosting companies, IPVanish's pricing is rather expensive. They also provide a 7-day money refund guarantee, which is far less than the industry standard 30-day money return guarantee.

The lowest plan, which costs $6.49 per month, is the only one that binds you to a yearly contract. The next tier costs three months at $9.99 per month, and the following tier is one month for $10.00 per month.

Compatibility

IPVanish is excellent, but it won't surprise you. The same can be said about their compatibility. While they support all major operating systems, the app is just fair. It does the job, but there's nothing special about it.

Everything Else

The restriction of five devices per account and the fact that only some servers can unblock Netflix are both correct in the same position. In the mid-range area. Everything operates correctly, but nothing will amaze you.

We did not find any problems when we tested IPVanish, but there are some negative customer reviews.

If you want to learn more about IPVanish, please read our full review.

#6. CyberGhost – Ok for Basic Functions ($2.75/month)

Logging: None

Protocol: OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, and PPTP

Speed: Average

Servers: Almost 4,000 in 60 countries

Jurisdiction: Romania

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, FireTV, Android TV, and Linux

CyberGhost has over 4,000 servers and is an excellent value-for-money VPN. It allows you to use a VPN to do everything from watching Netflix to torrenting without breaking the bank.

CyberGhost is a superb VPN for everyone. It will blow you away with connecting any device and providing outstanding performance in all other areas.

Speed and Security

CyberGhost's speeds aren't anything special. They won't impress anybody. This may be a bargain for many individuals, given the low price and ease of connection to devices like FireTV.

They don't keep any of your data, and they do not log anything. Aside from that, there were no problems with data leaking or any other security offenders.

Support

Customer service has a poor reputation for responding quickly. The service is simple to use, and you should only contact the customer care team if you have a technical problem.

I'm sure you'll find their customer service to be better than that of any other company. Although their support staff is numerous, they have a wealth of knowledge and step-by-step instructions if you get into difficulties.

Cost

There are three pricing levels with CyberGhost. CyberGhost is the cheapest at $2.75 per month when you buy three years of hosting. This VPN service is the most secure to try because of its low price and long money-back guarantee. Other rates come in at $3.69 per month if two years are purchased, $5.99 per month if one year is purchased, $12.99 per month if one month is purchased.

Compatibility

CyberGhost has a variety of applications to meet your various demands. It only takes seconds to download them, and putting them on your router is simple. CyberGhost distinguishes itself from the competition and its pricing in this area.

You can connect up to seven devices to this phone which is on the high end in the industry.

Everything Else

CyberGhost is a good choice for people who want to find a VPN. It is easy to use, and it has low prices.

They may not be standout performers in every area, but they are average in all categories. They have a few high-end features, though.

Our full review contains additional information. For additional details, read our CyberGhost review.

Best VPN Canada – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of a VPN?

VPNs are designed to keep you safe from activities that put your security at risk. This implies that you'll need a VPN that is as secure as possible. If your VPN isn't trustworthy, it's basically pointless.

The speed of your VPN is also rather significant. Yes, we all want to be safe online. BUT – if you must choose between being secure and receiving information quickly, why try? It will take a long time. There are currently hundreds of VPNs to choose from. This may be perplexing, but we will go through all of the information for you.

Should I use a VPN when working from home?

This is the most frequently requested question we've received from readers and clients in 2021. The answer is a resounding yes. When working from home, a virtual private network (VPN) serves as your first line of defense.

We conducted a three-week survey of VPN usage in Canada throughout the COVID lockdown period (late March to mid-April 2020) in collaboration with the VPN providers on our list above.

During that period, we discovered that, on average, VPN usage in Canada increased by 243.1 percent. This was determined by the number of downloads (both desktop and mobile).

As the pandemic's consequences continue, we believe that VPNs will eventually become a de-facto security solution for remote employees in the “new normal.”

VPN Canada Buying Guide – 8 Factors

The greatest thing you can do is figure out what's most essential to you, just like any other service? This method may provide a different answer for every person.

The best VPN for Netflix is different for each person. A different individual may want the greatest VPN for newcomers. It all depends on the individual.

There are many things that you can think about. Here are a few of them:

1. Upload and download speed are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The faster you may download data, the higher the number.

2. IP Leak Testing – When using a VPN, and IP leak occurs when the user's actual IP address is displayed inadvertently in the network. This is bad because you want to conceal your IP address at all times.

A DNS leak is a problem with a network setup that sends DNS queries over insecure connections rather than through the VPN connection. When a user tries to translate the name of a server to an IP address, they are performing a DNS query.Leak testing ensures that your true identity is never revealed.

3. Jurisdiction – The precise location of the VPN's headquarters has a significant influence on user privacy. Several nations have the power to demand that a firm reveal personal information about its customers. Ensuring your chosen VPN does not operate in one of those countries is critical for maintaining your anonymity.

The worst offenders are members of the Five Eyes surveillance organization. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States are examples.

4. Server Network – If the VPN lacks a large number of servers or has one that is inconvenient to you, your internet connection will be sluggish.

5. Features – PPTP, OpenVPN, SSL, Tunnel Protocol, and AES256 Encryption are just a few of the important features available in a VPN service.

Streaming – This is one of the most popular uses of a VPN. People want to access geo-restricted streaming services, which are often blocked. Netflix has content restrictions that limit its availability in certain countries. Some VPNs perform better than others at unlocking such limitations.

6. Operating Systems and Compatibility – Some VPNs only support certain operating systems. You'll want to make sure the VPN is simple to operate on the system you choose.

7. Obfuscation – In many situations, obfuscation isn't necessary. Obfuscation allows you to use a VPN in China or other places where you aren't permitted to access certain parts of the internet, such as school or work.

Which VPN is safest?

We believe that NordVPN is the most secure VPN service on the market today. The level of security depends on a few key factors. When it comes to safety, every VPN has advantages and drawbacks, but most reputable ones meet all of these criteria.

The most common VPN log files are connection logs, which keep track of all incoming and outgoing connections to a VPN server.

This includes:

• ☑️ IP address
• ☑️ IP address of the VPN server
• ☑️ Timestamps for connections and disconnections
• ☑️ The ability for a VPN service to access and query this data

A log may reveal your surfing habits. This is something you don't want to have happened.

How Do VPN Protocols Work?

VPN protocols are a series of rules that govern how data is transmitted between networks. The most secure VPN protocols today are as follows:

• ☑️ Internet Protocol Security (IPSec)
• ☑️ Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
• ☑️ Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
• ☑️ Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
• ☑️ Transport Layer Security (TLS)
• ☑️ OpenVPN
• ☑️ Secure Shell (SSH)

Servers – The greater number of servers distributed worldwide makes it more probable that you will be able to connect to a closer server, resulting in increased speed.

Jurisdiction – The country in which the VPN is lawfully established can significantly impact who has access to a company's data.

Do VPNs Leak Data?

IP Leaks – When a user's actual IP address is revealed in a network while using a VPN, this is known as an IP leak. It's critical since it reveals your true identity. In all of our tests to determine the finest VPN in Canada, Nord has performed exceptionally well, both by our standards and third-party security assessments.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

The advantage of utilizing a VPN is that you may browse the web securely without fear of having your personal information or identity stolen.

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a way to keep your internet traffic private. This means that your internet service provider (ISP) can't see what you're doing online. Instead, they see only the VPN's IP address. A VPN is a service that creates a virtual tunnel of encrypted data between you and the internet.

The bottom line is that a virtual private network (VPN) protects your data from prying eyes. Online privacy is essential, and a VPN is the greatest method to secure your virtual life. There are several advantages to using a VPN, including the ability to watch streaming content from other nations and the opportunity to conceal personal information from law enforcement.

Which free VPN is best?

You'll notice that none of the VPNs we recommend are free. There's a straightforward explanation for this:

When you look for a VPN service, one of the first things you'll encounter is a plethora of free alternatives. You'll be tempted, but don't go along with it. Without income, no business can survive. Free VPNs do not charge anything to use their service, but you may bet they are collecting your surfing habits and selling them to third-party advertisers who will then bombard you with advertising.

And things don't get any better. Every VPN has the ability to obtain your personal and financial information, which they sell on the Dark Web. It's an even bigger draw (or maybe a target) for businesses that don't generate anything.

The greatest advice is to purchase what you're paying for. Don't get a free VPN. You'll regret it later if you believe us.

Why We Don’t Do Free (and Neither Should You)

When you look for a VPN service, one of the first things you'll encounter is a plethora of free options. You'll be lured, but don't succumb to the siren song.

A company's financial success is dependent on its revenue. You can be sure that free VPNs collect your surfing history and sell it to third-party advertisers, who will then bombard you with advertisements. That, thankfully, isn't the worst news. Every VPN has the potential to collect your personal and financial information and sell it on the Dark Web. This is an even greater incentive (or even a target) for businesses that provide no service.

The greatest piece of advice I can give you is this: you get what you pay for. Don't get a free VPN. You'll regret it later if you believe us.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Canada?

In Canada, using a VPN is perfectly legal. Many security professionals advocate for the use of one to preserve online anonymity. In Canada, it is completely lawful to utilize a VPN.

Canada may be recognized as a great nation with the finest people on Earth, but online privacy is not taken for granted. There are several aspects of data privacy in Canada that individuals should be concerned about. Using a VPN in Canada is one of them, and it's an excellent idea.

What Is the Best VPN for Streaming?

The Best VPN offers the best streaming service. This is due to their wide range of applications for various gadgets. You may use it on tablets, PCs, and phones, as well as Android TV streamers.

You'll be able to stream Netflix from different countries, and you may even use Kodi. If you have a Netflix proxy error, you can do a few things about it.

What Is the Best VPN for Torrenting?

Maintaining high speeds and keeping strict security standards when downloading files via P2P networks is critical. ExpressVPN ensures that no government is spying on you by being located in the British Virgin Islands, with a no-logs policy.

For safe torrenting, make sure your security software is up to date—easy access to torrenting while also ensuring that speeds are quick and secure. Even if you use a VPN, you'll still want to use the best secure torrent sites.

What Is the Best VPN for Netflix?

Only a limited number of VPNs allow you to bypass Netflix's geo-restrictions. ExpressVPN and NordVPN, fortunately, do.

What Devices Work With a VPN?

Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux are all supported by VPNs. This is a nice benefit because you can set up a VPN on a router, smart TV, gaming console, or television box. A lot of VPNs enable this and are a great value-add.

Can I set up a VPN on My Router?

Yes, setting up a VPN on your router secures your entire connection. This also means you can connect an infinite number of devices throughout your home. There's a bit more work involved because you'll have to go through some additional hoops. We've put up a step-by-step tutorial to make it easier for you.

How Much Does a VPN Cost?

In general, you should budget between $3 and $8 each month. It's a little pricey if more than two people in your family, and it might suggest that the service is bad. The most effective suggestion is to look for a VPN that offers a free trial: many of the finest do. You may use their service for free.

Encryption Protocols Explained

The protocol that your data travels through is known as a VPN. Each protocol has different prices and benefits, depending on your needs. Some prioritize privacy and security, while others prioritize speed.

The five most popular encryption standards are outlined here. There are additional options, but they aren't typically used. This is a brief explanation of our top Canadian VPNs' protocols.

OpenVPN

The encryption used by OpenVPN is powerful, with a 160-bit SHA1 hash function and a 2048-bit RSA authentication. Given that you can guess, this provides near-unbreakable security.

The upside is that you can connect to multiple servers simultaneously, but the speeds are not amazing. Because OpenVPN is an open-source technology, developers have access to and control the code. As a result, some services utilize slightly modified variants of it.

PPTP

The PPTP protocol (sometimes known as “Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol”) is a popular VPN technology Microsoft first created in the mid-nineties. It's one of the oldest still used VPN protocols.

It's a high-speed connection, so it works well with dial-up. It was originally designed for ancient-style dialup connections, and it's quite quick on a fast connection.

The positive side is that it's easy to use and doesn't require much technical knowledge. However, the encryption is fundamental and has already been broken. Most VPN services now utilize a more secure protocol, but you may still notice PPTP from time to time.

SSTP

As of Windows Vista SP 1, Microsoft has used the Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) as its standard encryption method.

SSTP is a more secure variant of PPTP that utilizes 2048-bit SSL certificates and AES-256 bit encryption keys. It's virtually unbreakable, but it's proprietary to Microsoft, so third-party developers can't create their own modifications or improvements.

L2TP/IPSec

L2TP is short for “Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol.” It is an unsecured PPTP version and is paired with IPSec for security.

It is both quick and secure because of these two protocols. It, however, depends on a single UDP port. As a consequence, it is susceptible to simple prohibition.

IKEv2

IKEv2 is similar to L2TP. They are both open-source and paired with IPSec for security. IKEv2 can easily re-establish a connection after it is lost.

It's also useful for shifting between network types. As a result, it's frequently used in mobile VPN software, which must switch between WiFi and cellular connections.

SSL/TSL

SSL, or “Secure Socket Layer,” is an encryption protocol used on numerous eCommerce sites to protect the connection. This technology is commonly utilized with TLS, or “Transport Layer Security,” by many VPNs in Canada.

This is because it's a competing option to IPsec, which may cause problems with other firewalls.

The protocol TSL is symmetric cryptography that creates a safe connection. Each connection session is assigned its own unique key in this cryptographic technique.

The client and the server engage in a TLS handshake before establishing a connection, where they agree on an encryption algorithm and cryptographic key.

Because the method is randomized, an eavesdropper or a man-in-the-middle attacker would have difficulty catching any data.

DTLS

Another popular encryption technique in VPNs for Canadians is Datagram Transport Layer Security or DTLS. It's mostly utilized to improve SSL/TLS tunneling performance problems with TCP, which can cause slow connections.

TLS over DTLS is similar to TLS security, but it's geared towards datagram-based applications such as streaming services. It provides comparable security to SSL/TLS; however, it does not obscure the data's meaning. However, it can be easily blocked because it uses UDP rather than TCP.

VPN Routing & Devices

So, how does your data travel through the VPN? Here's a brief overview.

provider-provisioned VPN building-blocks

The VPN data is sent through one of two layers: layer two or layer 3. Because multi-protocol label switching (MLPS) allows for routing from one layer to the next, the VPN signal's identity is concealed.

PE Devices

A provider edge (PE) device is a single or group of devices at the edge of a provider's network. This device then connects to Consumer Edge (CE) devices through Provider Edge (PE) devices. Users in Canada can access a website, while the provider device is only aware of the VPN device.

P Devices

A P device is similar to a PE device, but it's located within the provider's core network rather than on edge. It does not have direct consumer-facing connectivity.

A PE router is a computer that receives, decodes, and encrypts data as it travels through the network. In conjunction with PPVPNs, this system is known as PPVPN. This enables quick and effective peer-to-peer connections.

C Devices

Customer devices are located inside a customer's network, not on edge. These gadgets are unaware that the VPN exists. A smart TV linked to a phone streaming data from the VPN is one example. The phone is aware of the VPN in this case, but the TV is not.

CE Devices

The client device is connected to the consumer's network via a virtual private network (VPN) and is on the border of the consumer's network. The smartphone would be an example of such a CE device in the illustration above.

User-Visible PPVPN Services

What does a PPVPN offer? Here are some features that you can use:

OSI Layer 2 Services

VLAN

A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a trunking technology that allows several LANs to connect across the same link using the IEEE 802.1Q standard. This is the newest trunking protocol, and it works at Layer 2 for improved security.

VPLS

A Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) is similar to a VLAN. It allows for the emulation of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint topologies utilizing OSI Layer 1. This enables you to utilize Layer 2 technologies over Layer 1 connections, such as Metro Ethernet.

Users can connect several LANs via an optical, packet-switched core provider. When this is done, multiple remote LAN segments will act like a single LAN.

EtherIP

Ethernet over IP tunneling (EtherIP) is part of the FreeBSD network stack and does not provide security. However, it allows for packet encapsulation via a fast connection.

IPLS

IPLS is similar to VPLS. It transmits data using Layer 3 capabilities instead of frames, like VPLS.

PW

Pseudo Wire (PW) is also comparable to VPLS, although it may utilize different Layer 2 protocols at both ends of the connection. This lets you use WAN technologies like Frame Relay or Asynchronous Transfer Mode.

OSI Layer 3 PPVPN Services

PPVPNs can be categorized as either a single router or a virtual router per VPN. There's also an unsecured, unencrypted variant. Let's have a look at each of these options:

BGP/MPLS PPVPN

BGP/MPLS networks use BGP extensions to route data through the IP version 4 VPN address family. These routes are identified by 12-byte strings, including a route distinguisher and an IPv4 address, with the first 8 bytes representing a route distinguisher and the last 4 bytes representing the address.

The topology of the VPN is monitored by PE devices, which are connected via MPLS tunnels or P routers. The use of a P router ensures that the VPN is not recognized.

Virtual Router PPVPN

A virtual router network is built using BGP connections but does not require any changes to current protocols. The network instead makes use of logically separate routing domains. This implies that the MPLS tunnels can identify various PPVPNs without the need for a 12-byte identifier.

Unencrypted Tunnels

In some VPNs, no encrypted tunneling protocol is available. These networks simply use Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE). This can still anonymize your connection, but the VPN itself is vulnerable to attack. You may use L2TP/IPSec, IPsec, and MPPE/PPTP to help mitigate this problem.

Public vs. Private Keys

A VPN uses two distinct types of encryption keys: public and private. The public key is used to send an encrypted message, and it is known to all network servers and clients. The private key is used to de-encrypt the message, and it is known only to your machine and the server.

Digital encryption keys are represented with numbers called bits (1's and 0's), which come in various lengths. 128-bit encryption is the most popular form of encryption. On the other hand, some more secure systems now use 256-bit encryption. Breaking 128-bit encryption is difficult, if not impossible.

No one has been able to break 256-bit encryption.

How is a VPN Different From a Proxy Server?

As the name implies, a proxy server is a middleman between your computer and the internet service you're trying to access. It serves as a relay for both your machine and the online service you're attempting to access.

The distinction is that whereas a VPN server anonymizes traffic both in and out of your computer, a proxy server is application-specific. Proxy servers don't encrypt your data, which leaves you vulnerable to attack.

The following are three prevalent types of proxy servers. Here's a quick overview of each one.

HTTP Proxies

Proxies are used to access geographically restricted material on the internet, such as websites. You define your browser's proxy settings, and all of your traffic is routed through it. They're not useful for torrenting on most sites, but You can utilize them to view geo-restricted material.

SOCKS Proxies

SOCKS proxies can handle a wide range of traffic. They're commonly used for gaming, streaming, torrenting, and P2P file sharing, although they must be set up at the program level. Because they deal with larger traffic, SOCKS proxies are generally slower than HTTP proxies.

Transparent proxies

Consumers don't typically employ transparent proxies. Businesses generally use them to keep track of usage and block prohibited material. They're also frequently utilized on open WiFi networks to verify users.

A Final Word On Our VPN Reviews

For the sake of repetition, let me repeat: you're crazy if you were not using a virtual private network in Canada in 2021.

Too many people in the United States still use a standard, vanilla internet provider. Here's why it's a bad idea to do so. Unless you utilize encryption, today's hackers are a sharp group that can break into your online devices with ease. While they may focus on governments and businesses, this is a risky assumption to make.

The Dark Web is a place where people can buy and sell personal information. This means that your personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card number, is at risk of being stolen and sold. Do it securely.